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Swann was chosen to partner left-arm spinner Monty Panesar while Matt Prior returns as wicketkeeper as a replacement for Tim Ambrose, who was preferred for last summer's home defeat to South Africa.

Today's promotion ends a long wait for Swann, who was selected for the 1999-2000 tour to South Africa but failed to feature in any of the Tests and was then sidelined by coach Duncan Fletcher.

England's decision to partner Swann with Panesar, his former Northamptonshire team-mate, represents a considerable gamble against an India side renowned for their ability to play spin.

But captain Kevin Pietersen revealed watching Australian off-spinner Jason Krejza, who claimed 12 wickets on his Test debut in Nagpur at the start of November, convinced England two spinners was the best way forward.

'It's a decision we have come to because we think the wicket could spin,' explained Pietersen. 'We've had a look at it and it probably gives us our best and most attacking option.

'Graeme Swann has bowled absolutely fantastically leading up to this Test match and done a great job so it's a well-deserved debut.

'They are not bad players of spin but it's pretty important we go in with two spinners. It doesn't matter how good a player of spin you are, you still have to play well on the day.

'Any debutant is keen and he'll be ready and right at the Indian batsmen. We saw Krejza did well against India as an off-spinner and I think Swann can do a better job.'

Recalled: Matt Prior will keep wicket

Swann was understandably delighted when Pietersen revealed the team at a players' meeting this morning, but the skipper admitted the final line-up had been a difficult decision.

'He was ecstatic when I told him,' said Pietersen. 'It's a huge moment for anybody to get a Test cap and he's thrilled to bits.

'When I announced the team to the lads this morning I said to them it was one of the most difficult decisions to make.

'Playing a Test match for England is the biggest and best thing to do for us as Englishmen and to pick 11 out of a squad that is competing for all places is pretty difficult.

'It's a healthy situation when we've got players like Owais Shah, Amjad Khan and Adil Rashid around putting pressure on and trying to get a place.'

Asked about the decision to recall Prior, who struggled for runs during the one-day series several weeks ago, Pietersen added: 'I think Matty Prior gives us a much better option with the bat.

'I'm really keen on his batting and I think he's improved tremendously with his keeping so it's about time he gets a run as well.

'The one-day series was a tough tour for everybody. The four weeks we were out here was pretty tough and he is not the only one who has lost a bit of confidence over the last month.'